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Nonprofit Overview

Mission: weSPARK is a special place dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, their families and friends. weSPARK provides free of charge, a center where one can join with others to share their experience, strength, and hope. weSpark offers multiple services designed to heal the mind, body and spirit of all those lives that have been affected by cancer.

Target demographics: cancer patients and their loved ones

Geographic areas served: Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley

Programs: free support groups and a host of other therapeutic and holistic programs. These programs are designed to alleviate fear, anxiety, depression, isolation, and evoke feelings of relaxation and well-being.

Community Stories

16 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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I have been a Board Member and volunteer at weSPARK since its inception. I have had the opportunity to watch it grow and serve an increasing part of the community. Its services have been so well thought of that several hospitals and other institutions have referred their patients and invited weSPARK to provide programs at their locations.

In the last year, weSPARK expanded its reach by offering services on the web.This will make weSPARK an even more valuable part of a much larger community. It will free them from the geographical constraints and allow them and their programs to touch many more lives of cancer patients, their families and friends in the same positive ways.

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weSPARK is a unique experience which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and their families and friends.
As a companion to the medical treatment a patient receives, the weSPARK programs are designed to help those affected by cancer to cope with what is probably the scariest experience they have ever had.
All of the programs are free because funds are raised and more than 80 cents of every dollar goes to programming.

Last year, I lost my brother to brain cancer. He was living in New Jersey. At the time, I was frustrated that weSPARK could not be of help to him. I've been on the Board of Directors of a cancer charity and they could do nothing for him. I only wished he could have been with me in L.A. during his battle. Since then, weSPARK has gone global. We have put many of our services online so that people around the world can benefit from the things that our Sherman Oaks, CA home do daily. This is what our founder WENDIE JO SPERBER dreamed of, and hopefully she is looking down on us smiling.

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I have left many reviews of weSPARK in the past. The only thing that is changing is that we are getting better. We are not only expanding our in house programs, we are expanding to an online venture where weSPARK can reach cancer patients, their friends and family nationally and internationally.

weSPARK is a gift that actor and humanitarian Wendie Jo Sperber gave to the Los Angeles area about 12 years ago. This is a place where cancer "warriors", their family and friends can come to get support, information and a place to talk and be heard at no cost at all. I had colon cancer in 1999 and when weSPARK opened, I took advantage of their services. Sure, friends can give you support and tell you what you want to hear, but at weSPARK I was able to talk with people who were going through what I had gone through (always with a professional leader at the helm of our support group meetings). I don't know what I would have done without weSPARK and their incredibly caring and ever present staff. That is why, as a Board Member, I donate so many hours out of my week and as much money as I can to help keep weSPARK alive and thriving. Sadly, Wendie Jo Sperber is no longer with us, but I pray that weSPARK will be here for many years to come.

I could never ask anyone for money for myself, but I have no shame approaching anyone who might have some money for weSPARK. I am so proud to be a part of this organization. Cancer is a tough disease and weSPARK gives people who are afflicted, along with their spouses and children, the tools and strength to bravely battle. Did I say that all services are FREE? Well they are!

I have been a founding member, board member and guest since weSPARK's inception in 2000. As a founding member, I have watched weSPARK grow from a small group of people sitting around our founder Wendie Jo Sperber's dining room table to an organization that helps many people who are battling or supporting warriors against cancer. As a guest, I used the weSPARK facilities as I battled malignant colon cancer. They were literally lifesavers. Asking nothing in return, they gave me the knowledge and hope to get better. And finally, as a board member, I am honored to be able to take part in the day to day fundraising for this incredible organization. It is necessary to so many people in the Los Angeles area. May it last forever or until their is no more cancer in anybody's life.

I was one of the founding members of Wendie Jo Sperber's dream. Little did I know when weSPARK began that I would become a "guest". In 1999, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgery followed along with 6 months of chemotherapy. In October, I will be cancer free for 10 years. weSPARK has stayed by my side during these last 10 years with constant support. I don't know what I would have done without them, and enjoy working for them in helping others.

As a new board member, I am amazed by the non-profit staff and volunteers who give tireless hours to support people in their hour of need. When I first met with our Executive Director I instantly felt a connection based on the experience I have had with Cancer. I lost my grandmother and aunt to cancer and only wish they had had an organization such as weSpark.

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weSPARK is a very special organization that is dedicated to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients as well as their families and friends. All of the services are free and the list of services is always expanding. It is "everything but the medicine". The programs are high quality delivered by dedicated people.

The guests describe the support they receive as life changing and the doctors who refer their patients and their families are generous with their praise. The physical, emotional and spiritual support that guests and their families receive help them endure the stress of both the disease and the treatment. Because of the unique way guests are grouped, they develop lasting friendships with people who have, or have had, similar experiences,

It is truly a remarkable organization that delivers a wonderful service to the community and beyond.

WeSpark was started by Wendie Jo Sperber in response to her diagnosis. Throughout the years I've met so many people that have been touched by the work at the center as well as Wendie's story. When I hear the words, "WeSpark saved my life," it doesn't surprise me, it makes me more determined that every to help the staff continue the mission that began 10 years ago.

In 1999, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. After surgery and 6 months of chemo I was cancer free. My friend, Wendie Jo Sperber, talked about starting a group where cancer warriors, their families and friends could go for FREE support. That was over 10 years ago. I am now on the Board of Directors and make weSPARK my passion project.

WeSpark is a place and organization of people who truly care about the community and helping others in need. The services offered to guests cannot be found in another organization of this type in the US. To see and hear of the many guests who have a better outlook on life is very rewarding.

Hello Internet,
A close friend of mine, Wendie, started this support group about 15 years ago out of her home in Sherman Oaks. In little time she found a location and a platform to spread her cause of cancer knowledge and awareness through a storefront on Ventura Blvd. This place became a supporting and peaceful environment through which people could explore and delve into their health issue with positivity and encouragement.
She created a cost free place where guests can interact in a place that feels like a home and not some room in a building someplace. An environment that was built for you to clear your mind and acknowledge yourself in a stimulating and positive way and let you know that you are not in this by yourself, that you have support from others, who care and have experience.
If you or anyone you know is affected by cancer in any way shape or form, I can't suggest WeSPARK enough. It has helped myself and countless amounts of other people battle their biggest battle. Do yourself a favor and call.

It may sound like I am biased as I am on the Board of Directors. I met Wendi Joe Sperber during the last few years of her life and may I say that to see and hear her love and dedication to this cause had me spell bound. I am extremely busy as a mom and an entrepeneur yet I was honored to be asked to join her Board of Directors.This is a group of selfless, dedicated people who have brought so much to so many. We do need more people to come and visit the center since only then do you really understand what it is like to have a place for cancer patients and their families to go for FREE. There is yoga, tai chi, meditaion visualization,,, and on and on..Thank you for taking the time to read this. If I sound passionate, it is because I am.Hope you join us in spreading the word. We have a Charity Golf Tournament coming up. If you play, join us, if you know someone who plays, have them join us, if not and you can, kindly make a cash donation or help us with the silent auction. Thanks in advance.